Rep. Roger Bruce, D-Atlanta says the critical race theory will pass during the legislative session and speaks on issues such as gambling and mental health.
The Critical Race Theory bill adds the treatment of race, traits, and beliefs into public education, prohibiting school personnel to promote concepts violating federal anti-discrimination laws.
In an interview with Georgia State journalism students during their visit to the state Capitol last Wednesday, Bruce says the critical race theory will pass as it already passed through one chamber.
Bruce finds the issue important as he says some instructors do not teach the true American history including slavery and the historical moments of that period.
“You have people that want to change history and I got a real problem with that. Just because you don’t teach about it, doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.”
Three bills on gambling are pushing into the session that aims to amend the Georgia Constitution that illegalizes gambling aside from the lottery, bingo, and raffles.
The bills aim to work with the Georgia Lottery Corporation to regulate sports betting. If passed, secondary voting will take place in the local counties and revenue will be split between the republican and democratic parties.
Mental health is a big issue for Bruce and feels it needs insurance coverage. He advocates for the issue due to his mental health experiences.
During a 2004 school speech in his district, Bruce suffered from a head injury-induced coma from a falling object. He experienced poor mental health during his recovery and felt “useless”.
He thanks his support system and says “If people had given up on me. I wouldn’t be here talking to you now”.
Bruce serves on the Appropriations Committee and deals with the state budget. Funds include 32 billion from taxes and another 32 billion in income from the federal government. He says education receives major funding and higher education can expect a good portion.
Bruce is also a veteran and represents District 61 including Fulton, Cobb, and Douglas counties. Soon, he will only serve Douglas and Fulton.
The students also attended a Rules Committee session but were prohibited from attending a House Floor session due to COVID-19 protocols. Under those protocols, legislatures preferred sitting in the House Gallery because of the inadequate distancing from other members on the House floor that forced closure of the gallery to the public.
There, Bruce calls the session’s final days “crazy” and advises to not believe legislatives that say they have read every bill that they come across.
“If somebody tells you that they have read every single bill that they voted on, kick them out of your office. It’s just no possible way that you can do that”.
Bruce says legislatives must form trustworthy relationships with figures in other committees and receive insight to make the best decisions.
Bruce serves on the Judiciary Committee where Supreme Court Justice John J. Ellington is present. Ellington shares his regards with the representative.
“We need folks with his common sense, and he helps us to make better decisions because he’s there. Thank you for your service. We appreciate you.”
TIANA MAXWELL REPORTS 